mad as I can be now, and if I get any madder--"

She stopped in sheer amazement, for Arabella had put on her hat, and was
now getting into her coat.

"Where are you going?" demanded Patricia, but Arabella put her left hand
over her lips, while with her right she slipped another button into its
buttonhole, and sidled toward the door.

Patricia sprang forward, locked the door, took Arabella by the shoulder,
and pushed her toward a chair. Surprised, and calmed by Arabella's
silence, and her attempt to leave the room, Patricia now spoke in an
injured tone.

"I'd never believe you'd start to go out, when I'd just come in so
vexed, and with loads of things to tell you. For goodness' sake, can't
you answer?"

"You told me not to say a word," said Arabella, "and you looked so cross
that I just didn't dare to, and I was going out so I'd be sure not to."

Patricia was flattered to learn that Arabella had actually been afraid
of her. "Goosie!" she cried, "when will you learn that I don't always
mean all that I say! Old Sharp-eyes didn't really open my bundle. Come
over here and see what was hidden in it."

She opened the parcel of gaily-flowered cotton, and began to unfold the
goods.

"There!" she cried when the last fold was loosed, and six packages were